What Medicare Covers for Glucose Test Strips and Meters

Medicare Part B covers glucose test strips, but only if you meet specific conditions

Medicare Part B covers glucose test strips and lancets (the small needles used to prick your finger) if you have diabetes and your doctor says you need them. The coverage is not automatic — your doctor must prescribe the strips, and you must use a meter that Medicare recognizes. You will pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible, and the strips must come from a supplier enrolled in Medicare.

The key limitation is that Medicare covers strips based on how often you test, not how many you want. If you test once a day, Medicare typically covers about 100 strips per month. If you use insulin, you may get coverage for more frequent testing. The exact number depends on your specific diagnosis and what your doctor documents in your medical record.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor must write a prescription for glucose test strips, and the prescription must state how often you test each day.
Medicare covers strips only from suppliers enrolled in the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment (DME) program, not from retail pharmacies or online retailers.
You pay 20 percent coinsurance after your Part B deductible, with no annual limit on what Medicare pays for covered strips.
If you use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) instead of finger-stick testing, Medicare covers that under different rules and may cover it more generously.
Your coverage amount resets each month, so unused strips do not roll over to the next month.

How to order strips through Medicare

You must order strips from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier, not from a pharmacy or big-box store. Your doctor will send your prescription to a supplier you choose, or your doctor's office may have a preferred supplier they work with. Call the supplier and give them your Medicare number, your doctor's prescription, and the meter model you use — the supplier needs to know the exact meter because different meters use different strips.

The supplier will verify your coverage with Medicare before they ship anything to you. This step usually takes a few business days. Once approved, they will send your strips directly to your home on a schedule that matches your prescription — for example, if your prescription says you test once daily, they might send 100 strips every month.

Keep track of which supplier you use and ask them for a receipt or invoice showing what Medicare paid and what you owe. You will receive a bill for your 20 percent coinsurance, usually after Medicare processes the claim.

What happens if your doctor prescribes more strips than Medicare covers

If your doctor writes a prescription for 200 strips per month but Medicare's rules say you should only need 100, Medicare will only pay for 100. The supplier cannot bill you for the extra 100 strips — they straightforward will not be covered. You have two options: pay out of pocket for the extra strips from a retail pharmacy, or talk to your doctor about whether testing less frequently is safe for your situation.

Some people find that their testing needs change over time. If you are now testing more often because your diabetes is harder to control, ask your doctor to update your prescription and document the reason. The supplier can resubmit to Medicare with the new prescription, and your monthly allowance may increase.

Continuous glucose monitors versus finger-stick testing

If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) — a small sensor you wear on your skin that reads glucose constantly — Medicare covers that under different rules. CGM supplies (the sensors and transmitters) are covered under Part B, and you typically pay 20 percent coinsurance just as you do for strips. However, Medicare's rules about how many sensors you get per month depend on the specific device and your medical situation.

Some people use both a CGM and finger-stick strips. For example, you might wear a CGM but still need strips to calibrate it or to double-check readings. If your doctor prescribes both, Medicare will cover both, but each has its own monthly limit. Ask your doctor and your supplier whether a CGM might work better for you, because some people find they need fewer finger sticks once they start using a monitor.

What to do if Medicare denies your strips

If your supplier tells you that Medicare denied your claim, ask the supplier for a written explanation of the denial. Common reasons include: your doctor's prescription did not include how often you test each day, your meter is not on Medicare's approved list, or you have already received your monthly limit of strips.

If the denial is because your meter is not approved, ask your doctor whether you can switch to a meter Medicare recognizes. Your supplier can tell you which meters are on the approved list. If the denial is because your prescription was incomplete, ask your doctor to send a new prescription with the testing frequency clearly stated.

You have the right to appeal a denial. Ask your supplier for the appeal form, or contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. You will need your claim number (on the denial letter) and a statement from your doctor explaining why you need the strips at the frequency prescribed.

Medicare Advantage plans and glucose strips

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your coverage for glucose strips may be different. Some Advantage plans cover strips more generously than Original Medicare does, and some cover them less. You need to check your plan's formulary or call your plan directly to find out what your strips will cost and which suppliers you can use.

Medicare Advantage plans often require you to use suppliers in their network, so you cannot always use the same supplier you would use with Original Medicare. Call your plan's customer service number (on your insurance card) and ask: "Does my plan cover glucose test strips? If so, which suppliers can I use, and what will I pay?" Write down the answer and the name of the person who told you, in case you need to refer back to it.

Keeping costs down

If you pay 20 percent coinsurance and you test frequently, your out-of-pocket costs can add up. Once you reach your Part B deductible for the year, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount for every strip. There is no annual cap on how much Medicare will pay, so your coinsurance is the only cost you bear (aside from the deductible).

If cost is a problem, ask your doctor whether testing less frequently is safe for your situation. Some people with stable diabetes can test once a day instead of multiple times. You can also ask your doctor to refer you to a diabetes educator or nutritionist — Medicare covers these services, and they may help you manage your diabetes in a way that requires fewer strips.

Some manufacturers offer patient information programs that provide free or low-cost strips to people who cannot afford them. Ask your doctor's office or your supplier whether you may have access to for any of these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription from my doctor to get glucose strips covered?

Yes. Your doctor must write a prescription that states your diagnosis (diabetes), how often you test each day, and the meter model you use. Without a prescription, Medicare will not cover the strips, and you will have to pay the full cost yourself.

Can I order strips from my local pharmacy instead of a DME supplier?

No. Medicare only covers strips ordered from a DME supplier enrolled in the Medicare program. If you order from a pharmacy or online retailer, Medicare will not pay, and you will owe the full cost. Your supplier must be Medicare-enrolled.

What if I use a continuous glucose monitor — do I still need test strips?

Not necessarily. Many people who use a CGM do not need finger-stick strips because the monitor provides readings all day. However, some CGMs require occasional finger-stick calibration, and your doctor may want you to have strips on hand to double-check readings. Ask your doctor what you need.

How much will I pay out of pocket for glucose strips?

You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for each strip, after you meet your Part B deductible ($240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). The exact cost per strip varies by meter and supplier, but typically ranges from a few cents to about 50 cents per strip after your coinsurance.

What happens if I run out of strips before my next shipment arrives?

Contact your supplier and ask them to send your next shipment early, or ask them to increase the frequency of shipments. If they cannot help, you can buy strips out of pocket from a pharmacy temporarily. Keep your receipt — you may be able to count that cost toward your Part B deductible if you have not met it yet.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.